Ava couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at her all morning. The cryptic messages, the odd bank transaction, and the unexpected phone call from her boss—everything seemed to be spiraling out of her control. The pieces of the puzzle didn't fit, and yet she couldn't stop trying to make sense of them.
She stared at her reflection in the elevator doors, willing herself to breathe. Focus, Ava. One step at a time. The thought was more of a mantra now. This meeting with Ethan Blackwell could be nothing more than a typical business exchange. She was the junior architect for a reason, and he was the CEO of Blackwell Development. The two worlds didn't intersect often—at least not for someone like her.
When the elevator doors opened on the 30th floor, Ava stepped out into the sleek, minimalist lobby of Blackwell Development's headquarters. Glass walls, polished marble floors, and modern art pieces that looked more like puzzles than decoration. It was beautiful but cold, like the man himself.
She approached the receptionist, a polished woman in a sharp suit, who didn't look up from her computer. "Ms. Cole? Mr. Blackwell is expecting you."
Ava nodded and followed the receptionist's direction to a set of glass double doors. She paused before entering, taking a deep breath. Don't overthink it. Just be professional.
Inside, the office was even more imposing. The walls were lined with bookshelves, but the books looked untouched, like they were there for show. The real focus was on the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the city. And sitting behind the massive desk, as though he owned not just the building but everything in it, was Ethan Blackwell.
He was exactly as she remembered—tall, with dark hair neatly styled and eyes that seemed to pierce right through her. There was an aura of control about him, as if he was the one who dictated the rules of the world around him. And today, she was a mere player in his game.
"Ms. Cole," he said, his deep voice breaking the silence. He stood, his gaze flicking over her before extending a hand. "Please, take a seat."
His voice was smooth, almost too smooth, and his hand was warm, but there was an unspoken power in his touch. Ava sat, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves that sparked in her chest.
"I trust you're finding your way around here all right?" he asked, settling back into his chair and folding his arms.
"Yes, thank you," Ava replied, straightening her back. "I'm still learning the ropes, but it's been good so far."
"Good," he said with a slight nod, his gaze steady. "I wanted to meet with you today about the Thompson Building project. I've had a look at your designs, and I must say, I'm impressed."
Ava couldn't suppress the flush of pride that warmed her cheeks. "Thank you. We've been working on it for months. It's one of the most ambitious projects I've worked on."
"I can tell," he said, leaning forward slightly. "But there are a few adjustments I think you should consider. Some things I'd like to discuss that could push it to the next level."
Ava nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was it. This could be the moment that set her apart in the company, the opportunity she needed to prove herself. She pulled out the blueprints and began to explain her ideas, her focus entirely on the project. It was easy to get lost in the technicalities, the structures, and the designs.
But every now and then, she couldn't help but notice how Ethan was watching her. His gaze never wavered, always sharp and intent. He didn't just look at her—he studied her, as if trying to decipher some hidden truth. She had always heard rumors about him, about how he had a way of getting what he wanted, whether through charm or intimidation. But right now, he wasn't using any tricks. His quiet intensity was enough to make her feel like the only person in the room.
When the conversation turned to logistics, Ava paused, looking down at the blueprint. Something felt off. The air seemed heavier. And for a split second, it felt as if Ethan wasn't just listening to her; he was waiting for something. She glanced up, meeting his eyes, and quickly looked away.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice suddenly low, almost as if he already knew the answer.
Ava shifted in her seat, the question catching her off guard. "Nothing's wrong," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just thinking about some of the adjustments."
Ethan didn't seem convinced. He leaned back in his chair, the silence stretching between them, thick with unspoken words. His eyes softened ever so slightly, but it wasn't enough to make Ava feel at ease. Instead, it made her more wary.
"You know," Ethan said after a pause, "when I looked over your work, I saw more than just technical skill. I saw someone who doesn't just follow the rules. Someone who looks for... solutions."
Ava's breath hitched, unsure of what he meant. "I—I'm just trying to get it right."
He smiled, but it was a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm sure you are."
The words hung in the air, and Ava's mind raced. Was he talking about the project—or something else? There was a tension, an undertone in his voice that she couldn't quite place.
Before she could ask, there was a knock on the door. A young assistant popped his head in. "Mr. Blackwell, there's an urgent call for you."
Ethan's expression hardened, the moment of warmth vanishing as quickly as it had come. "I'll be right there," he said, dismissing the assistant with a wave. Then, turning to Ava, his demeanor shifted once more to something more professional, more distant.
"I think we're done here for now. I'll have my team follow up on the adjustments," he said, standing up.
Ava stood as well, suddenly feeling the weight of the room pressing in on her. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Blackwell. I'll make the changes right away."
He gave her a brief nod, his eyes flickering over her once more before he turned toward the door. "I look forward to seeing what you come up with," he said, before walking out without another word.
Ava stood there for a moment, her heart still racing. There was something about that meeting that didn't sit right with her. His praise had been too measured, his attention too intense. It was almost as if he had been evaluating her... but for what?
As she walked back to her desk, her phone buzzed again. Her hands shook slightly as she pulled it out. A new message.
"He's not who he says he is. Stay away from him, Ava. You're being watched."
Ava's blood ran cold. She looked around the office, but no one seemed to notice. No one seemed to care. But she couldn't ignore the growing suspicion in her gut.
Something wasn't right. And she was about to find out just how deep the lies went.